Flying Fields
OK, you have some model rockets. You're eager
to fly them, but you don't know where to go?
First, you need to know how a big of a field that
you'll need. The NAR
model rocketry safety code gives recommended field sizes based
upon the rocket motors that you plan to use.
Recommendations:
-
Big, flat, without (major) trees, power lines,
or other obstacles
-
If it's windy, bigger is better.
Private property is preferred. Just make sure
to get permission from the landowner beforehand! Public
property such as parks, school athletic fields, etc are often quite
convenient. Just make sure to check beforehand with the local
park board, school office, or whatever. In some places, they
may not permit model rockets on public land.
Flying sites recommended by Minnesota rocketeers:
To tell MRN about a good flying site or update our
current information, please send all the info to: mrn [at] mn-rocketry
[dot] net
PLEASE NOTE! MRN has not verified the
suitability of these sites for flying model rockets; they come
recommended to you by local model rocketeers. Also, MRN has
not and does not determine for you that model rocket flying is
officially permitted or not permitted at these sites under local
rules, regulations, or statutes. Please use caution, common
sense, and all due diligence (along with the safety code) whenever
and wherever you fly model rockets!
Eagan - Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields
4201 Lexington Avenue (SW corner of the intersection of
Lexington & Diffley) A fairly large park, it's mostly
covered with athletic fields (softball, soccer, etc.) with lots of
fences for you to detour around as you chase your rockets.
Eagan - Northview Athletic Fields
980 Northview Park Road (on Northview Park Rd, east of
Lexington Avenue)
Eagan - Northview Elementary
"The size of the field is over 400 yards per side and
there is little in the way of obstruction, except near the school
where the power lines run. There is a steep hill separating
the upper and lower fields. With a southerly wind, I would
set up shop near the school and aim the launch rod straight
up. That would give you about 300 yards to recover.
With a westerly wind, I would launch by the pond, then you have
the full 400 yards. It would be advised to keep launches
under 1500 feet in all but the calmest conditions. Across
the road to the south you'll have about 100 yards of brush to land
in if blows that way. If it blows north, hope it goes an
additional 200 yards and lands in the next park. East and west,
forget it."
Elk River / Otsego - VFW Soccer Fields
This field is located next to the VFW community center.
It is a complex of several soccer fields offering a good-sized
recovery area. Rocket flying is permitted, although you
should check with the VFW (if they're there). Soccer has
priority use of the fields. Suitable for rockets with
engines up through E and multi-stagers.
Directions: (from the Twin Cities) Take I-94 west toward
St. Cloud. Exit on Hwy 101 (Rogers/Elk River exit). Take a
right (North) on Hwy 101. Take a left onto County Rd 37 (70th St
NE) - there is not a traffic light at this intersection. Go
past the "Otsego" water tower and take a right onto
Parson Ave (gravel road), go about 1/4 mile to Quaday Ave. Take a
left onto Quaday (another gravel road). Field is adjacent to a VFW
community center on the right side of Quaday Ave.
White Bear Lake - Sunrise Park Middle School
This field is a public park within the city of White Bear Lake,
and it is immediately adjacent to a school. Model rocket
flying is allowed at this park, but organized athletics have first
call upon the fields.
This is a decent-sized flying field, but it's bordered on the
south side by the large, flat, school roof and on the other three
sides by residential areas. Use your best recovery-system
judgement; high-flying rockets should use streamers. Please
try to keep your rockets within the boundaries of the park.
Size is OK for rockets with motors up through D. 2-stage
rockets can be flown on calm days.
Directions: From I-694, take the White Bear Ave
exit. Go north to the traffic light at Cedar and take a
right. Drive east on Cedar and take a left at the
second stop sign onto Cranbrook. This will take you along
the west side of the park. Park in the school lot or in an
orderly fashion along the street.
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